The Inter-Ministerial Committee meeting regarding paddy procurement for the Kharif crops of 2025-26 was held today, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.
Ministers present included Suresh Pujari (Revenue & Disaster Management), Krushna Chandra Patra (Food Supplies & Consumer Awareness), Bibhuti Bhusan Jena (Commerce & Transport), and Pradeep Bal Samanta (Cooperation).
According to the data, a total of 73 lakh MT of paddy was procured in the year 2023-24. In 2024-25, this figure increased to 92 lakh MT, with 2.26 lakh tokens revalidated from the previous year.
Odisha is recognised as one of the top states where farmers receive payments quickly, within 48 hours. It has been decided that only millers with no outstanding dues will be eligible to participate in the procurement process. A 100% satellite verification across all 30 districts is currently underway. Non-paddy cultivators are prohibited from selling paddy through registration, and any such individuals found will be blacklisted.
Arrangements have been established at all mandis to address any grievances. Farmers can reach out for support by calling the toll-free number 1967. Operational provisions have been made to ensure smooth management at the ground level. A total of 3,570 active Paddy Procurement Centres (PPCs) have been set up to streamline the procurement process.
Principal Secretaries from the Departments of Agriculture & Farmers Empowerment, Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare, Finance, and the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Cooperation, along with officers from all the aforementioned departments, were present at the meeting. They shared their insights to enhance the procurement process and make it more efficient.
